Research Group

Astronautics Group

James Web telescope in space with earth on the bottom right.

Our group covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research in space physics and spacecraft engineering.

Part of Engineering

About

Our members are active in both theoretical modelling and physical experimentation and are supported by a wide range of computational and experimental facilities.

Particular areas of expertise include:

  • space environment
  • remote sensing
  • spacecraft structures
  • space systems engineering
  • artificial intelligence, spacecraft autonomy and control


We have industry partnerships with:

And we have been sponsored by the:

We have also been a leading centre for the training of professional engineers in the worldwide space sector and associated industries since 1974.

Research highlights

Enhancing astronaut health and helping physiotherapists consult during COVID

Health researchers share their insights to support both astronauts in space and people on Earth.

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Alexander Wittig

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Astrodynamics and Orbital Mechanics
  • Mission Design and Analysis
  • Numerical Methods including Differential Algebra and High Order Automatic Differentiation
Connect with Alexander

Dr Charlie Ryan

Associate Professor
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Dr Hanna Sykulska-Lawrence

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • the miniaturization of scientific instrumentation for the in-situ study of planets
  • the development of a miniature wideband radiometer for the in-situ study of planetary atmospheres
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Dr Hongru Chen

Lecturer

Research interests

  • Astrodynamics
  • space trajectory design
  • planetary geodesy

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Hugh Lewis

Professor of Astronautics

Research interests

  • Space debris
  • Space sustainability
  • Safety of spaceflight
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Dr Minkwan Kim

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Dr Nazli Turan

Research Fellow
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Dr Nina Vaidya PhD

Lecturer in Astronautics & S/craft Eng

Accepting applications from PhD students

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Professor Scott Walker

Professor
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Dr Taiwo Raphael Tejumola

Lecturer

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Taiwo Raphael
My research falls into 3 main areas: space debris, near-Earth objects and remote sensing.
Professor of Astronautics